Akatsi: Some 'Okada' riding thugs attacked the Director of Engineering and Mechanicals of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and his family, leading to his hospitalisation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Moses Ahiakpornu was attending his late father's funeral at Kpedome near Xevi in the Akatsi North District. He rushed out to buy medication for his sick son when he was accosted by the thugs. Mr. Ahiakpornu, his Cameroonian wife, Swiss sister-in-law, and two sons were assaulted by the group.
The victim recounted from his hospital bed that the thugs had parked their motorbikes in the middle of the main Ho-Aflao road, obstructing traffic. Mr. Ahiakpornu requested them to realign their parking, which angered the gang leader, identified only as Kwashie. On Friday, Kwashie had accused Mr. Ahiakpornu of past molestation and expressed his intent to seek retribution.
Upon returning from the chemist, Mr. Ahiakpornu was followed home by Kwashie and his group, who issued various threats, including death. In an attempt to find safety, Mr. Ahiakpornu drove to a police post, but the response he received was insufficient. The thugs then assaulted the vehicle's occupants, including his sons, who fell into a state of comatose due to the brutal attack involving blows, stones, and clubs.
The family, seeking urgent medical attention, was forced out of their car and into a commercial vehicle by the Akatsi Police Commander, who insisted on extracting a statement from Mr. Ahiakpornu. Despite his pleas for medical attention, the Commander maintained that Kwashie had earlier reported a purported attack by Mr. Ahiakpornu.
Partially paralysed, Mr. Ahiakpornu was initially admitted to Saint Anthony's Hospital at Dzodze but later transferred to the 37 Military Hospital for expedited medical care. Mr. Paschal Agbagbah, the Volta Regional NADMO Director, confirmed the assault and reported that the suspects, who were subsequently arrested, had been granted bail, with police investigations ongoing. Attempts by the Ghana News Agency to reach the Akatsi Police Commander for comments were unsuccessful.